System and device for conducting a game of chance

ABSTRACT

A system and device includes a removable data storage that stores one or more games of chance executable by a computer processor. Program instructions at the data storage or memory associated with the computer processor or at a server direct the relationship between the data storage and the computer processor. The computer processor conducts the game of chance and tracks a game history and a credit balance. Optionally, at the end of play, the game history and credit balance are locked.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming apparatus. More specifically,the present invention relates to a system and device for a conductinggame of chance at a computer device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games of chance played in a casino environment have an element ofexcitement absent from the same game in a different locale. The glitzand glitter add something to the play. However, they also create anumber of hurdles. Playing in a casino requires actually going to acasino, within associated costs and time expenditures. Playing in acasino requires actual risk of capital, except for the rare promotionalor training event, in which play is for fun only. Playing in a casino ismaking the commitment to gamble, rather than simply to play.

Game players often seek a means to play casino games outside of a casinoenvironment, to play without the reality of gambling, or both. Towardsthis end, portable gaming devices have been developed which conductcasino-like or other games in a non-casino environment. Many suchdevices are self-contained portable devices, such as the PlayStation orGameBoy, some of which come preprogrammed for a predefined set of games,others of which accept Read-Only-Memory (“ROM”) attachment containinggame logic and/or data. Other devices are embodied in PC attachments andperipherals, containing the logic and/or data necessary to enable theplay of casino-like games on the user's personal computer.

Some such devices lack any data retention capability, and so no recordis maintained of prior game activity and history. Others do retain sucha track record of gaming activity and a net result of such activity.Devices with such a track record are capable of continued play, carryingthe results of one game session as a starting point for the next. Somemay also be capable of transportage, removal from one play device andattachment to another without losing prior results. Either type ofdevice may provide entertainment and skills training to the player, butthe devices which maintain a results history further provide a feedbackloop which is highly beneficial for players who wish to hone theirskills and improve their caliber of play. Such results history providesa measuring stick against which the player may rate their quality ofplay, and maximize their success over time.

Those portable gaming apparatus as are presently known in the art whichprovide for game results history are, however, prone to alteration.Lacking the security inherent in casino-based gaming activity, or evenin interactive live internet based gaming activity, such portabledevices are susceptible to hacking and other forms of data alteration.Such results manipulation destroys the skills training benefits of thedevice and, where prizes or other results-based consideration isinvolved, encourage cheating and unfair competition.

There is therefore a need in the art for a portable gaming apparatuswhich may be moved from one play device to another, which maintains aresults history, and which is resistant to player alteration andtampering. Such a device may take the form of a PC peripheral device andutilize the hardware, software available with personal computers, andleverage the user familiarity generally inculcated in such devices.Furthermore, the security tools available with PCs and PC devicesenables the development of a security protection sufficientlycomprehensive so as to thwart data tampering by all but the mostsophisticated of hackers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a system for conducting a game of chance.According to an optional embodiment, the present system includes acomputer processor, such as at a general purpose computer. A removabledata storage that is physically distinct from, and readable by, thecomputer processor stores at least one game of chance executable by thecomputer processor. A memory in communication with the computerprocessor stores program instructions executable by the computerprocessor. In one optional embodiment, the memory is physicallyassociated with the computer processor such as random access memory(“RAM”). In another optional embodiment, the memory is physicallyassociated with the data storage, such as a partition of the datastorage. For example, in one such optional embodiment, the data storageis partitioned into at least two sub-components with the memorycomprising one of the sub-components and the game of chance stored on aseparate sub-component.

In an optional embodiment, the program instructions are generallydirected to the operation of the data storage and the computer processorin conducting the game of chance. Thus, the program instructions couldinclude many instructions. For example, in one optional embodiment, theprogram instructions randomly assign an identifier to the data storage.

In an optional embodiment where the data storage is writable by thecomputer processor, the program instructions include writing a creditbalance at the data storage. In one such optional embodiment, theprogram instructions further comprise encrypting the credit balance.Optionally, the program instructions prevent access by the computerprocessor to alter the credit balance after writing the credit balanceat the data storage.

Optionally, the system also includes a server processor in communicationwith the computer processor and a server data storage in communicationwith the server processor. In one such optional embodiment, the datastorage is assigned a unique identifier and the server data storagestores a record associated with the unique identifier. Optionally, therecord includes a credit balance. In one optional embodiment, the serverprocessor reads the credit balance written to the data storage. Inanother optional embodiment, the server processor directs the computerprocessor to read the credit balance from the data storage andcommunicate the credit balance to the server processor. Optionally, theprogram instructions prevent access by the computer processor to alterthe credit balance after writing the credit balance at the data storageuntil the server processor directs the computer processor to alter thecredit balance.

In yet another optional embodiment, the game of chance directs thecomputer processor to generate a game history as the game of chance isexecuted. In one such optional embodiment, the data storage is writableby the computer processor and the program instructions direct thecomputer processor to write the game history at the data storage.

As noted, the system may optionally include a server processor incommunication with the computer processor. In one such optionalembodiment, the server processor reads the game history written to thedata storage. In another optional embodiment, the server processordirects the computer processor to read the game history from the datastorage and communicate the game history to the server processor. In anoptional embodiment, program instructions prevent access by the computerprocessor to alter the game history after writing the game history atthe data storage. In an alternate optional embodiment, the programinstructions prevent access by the computer processor to alter the gamehistory after writing the game history at the data storage until theserver processor directs the computer processor to alter the gamehistory.

In an optional embodiment, the data storage is writable such that thedata storage may be selectively supplemented with additional games ofchance.

The present invention also includes a device for conducting a game ofchance at a computer processor. The device includes a data storagephysically distinct from the computer processor, that is readable by thecomputer processor. The data storage is partitioned into at least twosub-components: a first sub-component stores program instructionsexecutable by the computer processor and a second sub-component storesat least one game of chance executable by the computer processor.

Optionally, the program instructions randomly assign a device address tothe data storage.

In an optional embodiment, the data storage is writable by the computerprocessor and the program instructions comprise writing a credit balanceat the data storage. In one such optional embodiment, the programinstructions encrypt the credit balance. Optionally, the programinstructions prevent access by the computer processor to alter thecredit balance after writing the credit balance at the datalstorage.

In an optional embodiment, the game of chance directs the computerprocessor to generate a game history as the game of chance is executed.In one such optional embodiment, the data storage is writable by thecomputer processor and the program instructions comprise writing thegame history at the data storage. Optionally, the program instructionsprevent access by the computer processor to alter the game history afterwriting the game history at the data storage.

In an optional embodiment, a credit balance and a game history iswritten to a third sub-component on the data storage.

As mentioned above, in an optional embodiment, the data storage iswritable such that the data storage may be selectively supplemented withadditional games of chance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process carried out by a system and deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process carried out by a system and deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred toby like numerals throughout. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a system and devicefor conducting a game of chance at a computer processor 100 includes adata storage 102. The computer processor 100 could take many differentforms including a general purpose computer, 15 such as a personalcomputer or PC, a handheld device, also known as a personal dataassistant or PDA, a cellular telephone, a kiosk, a specific purposegaming device, or any other type of data processor. The functioning ofthe computer processor 100 is described in greater detail below.

Optionally, the data storage 102 is a removable peripheral data devicesuch as a 20 flash memory, optical storage, magnetic storage, or thelike. For example, in one optional embodiment, the data storage 102 isflash memory that is physically separate from the computer processor 100in that the data storage 102 communicates with the computer processor100 through a serial port, such as a universal serial bus (“USB”) port.In alternate optional embodiments, the data storage 102 may be anetwork-attached device, or other remote device, or multiple devicesworking in concert. It is noted that in an optional embodiment, the datastorage 102 may include other features and functions beyond data storage102 functions. For example, in an optional embodiment, the data storage102 may be a cellular telephone, handheld device, PDA or the like thatincludes display and input functions. In such an optional embodiment,the data structure may display the game of chance or data relating tothe game of chance, and receive input for conduct of the game of chance.

In an optional embodiment, the data storage 102 stores at least one gameof chance executable by a computer processor 100. For example, incertain optional embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thedata storage 102 is partitioned into sub-components 400, 402, 404, witha game of chance stored on one of the sub-components 402. Thesub-component 402 containing the game of chance may be readable orreadable-writable. That is, the game or games of chance stored on thedata storage 102 may be fixed, or may be changeable. For example, in oneoptional embodiment, games of chance may be updated, exchanged, orsupplemented by storing revised, different, or additional games ofchance. For example, in one optional embodiment, discussed in greaterdetail below, the sub-component 402 may communicate directly orindirectly with a server that delivers games of chance to the datastorage 102 such as through a file transfer or other download protocol.Alternatively, the sub-component 402 storing the game or games of chanceis readable only. In such an optional embodiment, the game or games ofchance may be fixed.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, program instructions executable by acomputer processor 100 govern the execution of the game of chance andthe relationship between the data storage 102 and a computer processor100. The program instructions are stored in memory 104. In one optionalembodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the memory 104 is physicallyassociated with, or even part of, the data storage. For example, in onesuch optional embodiment, the data structure is partitioned intosub-components 400, 402, 404 with the program instructions stored at oneof the sub-components 400.

In an alternate optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the programinstructions are stored in a memory 104 physically associated with thecomputer processor 100, such as in random access memory (“RAM”)associated with the computer processor 100. In yet another optionalembodiment, the program instructions are stored in a more persistentdata structure such as a hard drive, optical memory, magnetic memory, orthe like. In another optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, thememory 104 storing the program instructions may be physically associatedwith the computer processor 100 through a network connection, wirelessconnection, or the like. For example, in an optional embodimentdescribed in greater detail below, the computer processor 100 maycommunicate with a server. In an optional embodiment, the server mayinclude memory 104 storing the program instructions.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the program instructions optionallyinclude various components for the operation of the computer processor100 and the data storage 102. Generally, the program instructions mayinclude such features as security and/or data integrity procedures,record keeping procedures, or the like.

For example, in one optional embodiment, the program instructions maysecure certain data from tampering by encrypting the data, preventingthe computer processor 100 from overwriting or altering the data, or thelike. Thus, in one such optional embodiment, when the data storage 102is connected to the computer processor 100, the program instructions,which are either executed from the data storage 102 or installed tomemory 104 local to the computer processor 100, cause the computerprocessor 100 to assign the data storage 102 a random identifier.Optionally, a key, such as a password, a pass code, the randomidentifier generated, or the like, is installed by the programinstructions on both the data storage 102 and the computer processor 100executing the program instructions. In a further optional embodiment,the program instructions encrypts the key. Optionally, the key is usedin combination with the identifier in any transactions to verify thesource of the data. For example, in an optional embodiment described ingreater detail below, a credit balance or other credit data, gamehistory or other game play data, or other data may be stored on the datastorage 102. In one such optional embodiment, the data stored on thedata storage 102 is verified using the key and/or the identifier. Inanother example, the key and/or identifier assigned to the data storage102 is used to access or “unlock” a record stored remote from the datastorage 102, such as at a server.

In an optional embodiment, the data storage 102 may additionally bewritable. In one optional embodiment, a sub-component 404 of the datastorage 102 is writable. In one such optional embodiment, a creditbalance and/or game history may be written to the data storage 102.

For example, in one optional embodiment, a credit balance may bepre-written to the data storage 102. In an other optional embodiment,the computer processor 100, optionally under the direction of theprogram instructions or an optional server, may write a credit balanceto the data storage 102. Optionally, the data storage 102 is awrite-once-read-many (“WORM”) storage such that once written, the creditbalance cannot be rewritten or altered. In another optional embodiment,the data storage 102 is read-write memory (“RWM”), but the programinstructions, working alone or in combination with the key and/oridentifier, may limit or prevent access to the credit balance data bythe computer processor 100, server, or the like as well as the abilityto rewrite or alter the credit balance. For example, in an optionalembodiment including a server, the computer processor 100 may berestricted from writing, rewriting, or altering the credit balancestored at the data structure until instructed to do so by the serverprocessor 300 at the server. In any of these optional embodiments, itmay be the program instructions that reads the credit balance from thedata storage 102 for use by the computer processor 100, server, or thelike. It is noted here that in an optional embodiment in which thecomputer processor 100 communicates with a server, described in greaterdetail below, the credit balance may be stored at a server data storage302 in addition to, or in place of, the data storage 102.

Similarly, the game of chance may generate a game history as it isexecuted by the computer processor 100. In an optional embodiment, thegame history may be written to a writable sub-component 404 of the datastorage 102. As described above, the integrity of the game history maybe preserved by using WORM storage. Additionally or alternatively, theprogram instructions may limit or prevent access to the game historyusing security measures such as encryption, use of the key and/or theidentifier, or other security measure as well as the ability to rewriteor alter the game history. For example, in an optional embodimentincluding a server, the computer processor 100 may be restricted fromwriting, rewriting, or altering the game history stored at the datastructure until instructed to do so by the server processor 300 at theserver. In any of these optional embodiments, it may be the programinstructions that reads the game history from the data storage 102 foruse by the computer processor 100, server, or the like. As with thecredit balance, in an optional embodiment in which the computerprocessor 100 communicates with a server, the game history may be storedat a server data storage 302 in addition to, or in place of, the datastorage 102.

As noted above, the device of the present invention may be part of asystem according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. Insuch a system, a computer processor 100 physically separate from theremovable data storage 102 may be used. The system further includes amemory 104 storing program instructions for the operation of thecomputer processor 100 with the removable data storage 102 to executethe game of chance. As noted above, the memory 104 may be physicallyassociated with the computer processor 100, such as RAM or a hard driveused by the computer processor 100, or may be physically associated withthe data storage 102, such as a partition or sub-component 400 of thedata storage 102, or may be remote from the computer processor 100, suchas on a networked server. In one optional embodiment, a sub-component400 of the data storage 102 stores an installer that installs theprogram instructions on a memory 104 associated with the computerprocessor 100, e.g. RAM, hard drive, or the like. In this manner, thedata storage 102 may contain all the components needed for a computerprocessor 100 to use the data storage 102 and execute the game of chancestored thereon.

In a further optional embodiment, a server may be provided. It iscontemplated that the server could take many different forms and performany of a plurality of tasks such as storing files for transfer to andfrom the computer processor 100, storing the program instructions foroperation of the computer processor 100, extracting data such as creditbalance, game history, or the like from the computer processor 100, orother tasks. In one such optional embodiment, a server may include aserver processor 300 and a server data storage 302. Optionally, theserver data storage 302 includes one or more records associated to adata storage 102. In an optional embodiment in which the programinstructions randomly generate an identifier for the data storage 102,records associated with a data storage 102 may be identified by theidentifier for that data storage 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in use, the data storage 102 is placed incommunication with the computer processor 100. As noted above, the datastorage 102 is optionally a removable device, such as a flash memoryconnecting through a USB port. In such an example, the data storage 102is placed in communication with the computer processor 100 by connectingto the port. In other examples, the data storage 102 may be a memorycard, wireless device, wireless telephone or handheld device, or thelike. In such optional examples, the data storage 102 may be placed incommunication with the computer processor 100 using a wired or wirelesscommunication link.

The program instructions governing use of the data storage 102 may bepre-loaded in memory 104 associated with the computer processor 100. Inan optional embodiment, if the program instructions have not previouslybeen installed because the data storage has not been previously used600, they may be installed 602 in memory 104 associated with thecomputer processor 100 using an installer. The installer could bereceived from, and operate through, any medium. For example, in oneoptional embodiment, the installer is stored on a computer readablemedium, such as a compact disc (“CD”), digital versatile disc (“DVD”),floppy disc, or the like, that is separate from the data storage 102. Inanother example, the installer may be downloaded from a networkeddevice, such as a file server or the like. In yet another optionalexample, the installer may be stored on the data storage 102. As notedabove, the installer may be stored on a separate sub-component 400 fromthe sub-component 402 storing games of chance and the sub-component 404storing any writable credit and game history data.

In these optional embodiments, the installer installs 602 the programinstructions. In an optional embodiment in which the data storage 102 isportable, that is, can be ported to different computer processors 100,the installer may install the program instructions each time the datastorage 102 is placed in communication with a computer processor 100 forwhich the program instructions have been previously installed.

In another optional embodiment, the program instructions may be storedon, and executed from, the data storage 102. Such an optional embodimentmay be directed to an application where it is desired not to store anydata or program instructions on a memory 104 physically associated withthe computer processor 100. In yet another optional embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 7, the program instructions may be stored on aserver and, thus, may not need to be installed or re-installed as thedata storage 102 is ported to different computer processors 100.

The data storage 102 may be pre-loaded with a credit balance and/orgames of chance, or the like. In another optional embodiment, on thefirst use 600 of the data storage, the player may need to establish 604a credit balance and/or obtain games of chance before conducting a gameof chance. It is noted that the present invention may be directed foractual gaming in which the credits are backed by money or forentertainment gaming in which the credits are fictional, i.e. not backedby money. Where the credits are fictional, the data storage 102 may bepreloaded with credits or may be enabled to increase the credit balanceupon request.

In another optional embodiment, the credits are backed by money and mustbe obtained in some form of financial transaction. For example, in oneoptional embodiment, the program instructions direct the computerprocessor 100 to communicate with a server. A player establishes 604 acredit balance through the server, such as by purchasing credits in afinancial transaction or otherwise obtaining credits. In one optionalembodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, the credit balance is stored 610 atthe data storage 102. In another optional embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 7, the credit balance may be stored 702 at the server and mayoptionally be communicated 704 to the data storage 102, memory 104associated with the computer processor 100, or a combination thereof. Inan optional embodiment, an analogous procedure may be used for addingcredits to the credit balance.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, where the player already has a creditbalance established, the data storage 102 and/or the server may alreadystore a credit balance. In such an optional embodiment, placing the datastorage 102 in communication with a computer processor 100 may triggerone or more security checks to ensure that the credit balance has notbeen tampered with. For example, a key or an identifier (both of whichmay have been generated 606 upon the first use of the data storage asdiscussed above) may be used to verify that the data storage 102 isauthentic and that the data have not been altered since the prior use.In an optional embodiment using a server, records stored at the datastorage 102 may be checked against records stored at the server.

As noted above, in an optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7, acredit balance may be stored at a server. In one such optionalembodiment, placing the data storage 102 in communication with thecomputer processor 100 enables the program instructions to “unlock” 706the record at the server data storage.302 associated with the datastorage 102. Optionally, the game history is stored 708 at the datastorage 102. Similarly, the credit balance may optionally be temporarilystored 710 at the data storage 102. During game play or after the end ofgame play, the record, which may include a credit balance and gamehistory, may be updated 712 one or more times. At the conclusion of gameplay, the record is “locked” 714 until the next game play. In similarfashion, a credit balance could be stored at memory 104 associated withthe computer processor 100, e.g. the credit balance could be stored,unlocked (either continuously or at discrete points) when the datastorage 102 is engaged to the computer processor 100, and locked whenthe data storage 102 is removed from the-computer processor 100.

In an optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, the credit balance isstored 610 to the data storage 102, optionally in a sub-component 404 ofthe data storage 102. In a further optional embodiment, the creditbalance is encrypted. In one optional embodiment, the credit balance maybe stored at the data storage 102 as well as in at least one additionallocation, such as a server data storage 302 or a memory 104 associatedwith the computer processor 100. In another optional embodiment, thecredit balance is stored only at the data storage 102. Optionally, afterwriting the credit balance to the data storage 102, the programinstructions or the read-write nature of the data storage 102 preventsthe alteration or re-writing of the credit balance. In an optionalvariation on such an embodiment, the program instructions may includesome security measure such as a key, identifier, or the like to permitcertain authenticated transactions.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the game of chance is conducted 612,optionally by the computer processor 100. Where the game of chance isplayed purely for entertainment, a fee may be deducted from the creditbalance for play. Where the gaming of chance is a wagering game, a wagermay be deducted form the credit balance for play. The game of chance isconducted 612 and an outcome obtained. Optionally, the outcome of thegame of chance results in a win, loss, or, in some optional embodiments,a push. In a wagering game, the wager is resolved; this may include theawarding of credits for a win, collecting the wager for a loss, andreturning the wager for a push. In one optional embodiment, the creditbalance may be updated with each outcome. In another optionalembodiment, the credit balance is “locked” from alteration orre-writing; in such an optional embodiment, a temporary credit balanceis maintained as credits are awarded and collected during game play andthis temporary credit balance is stored in a game history. In yetanother optional embodiment, the credit balance is updated 618 at apredetermined point, such as at the end of a gaming session.

For example, in one such optional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, thecredit balance is stored at a server data storage 302 in a recordassociated with the data storage 102. As noted above, the associationbetween the record and the data storage 102 may be on the basis of arandomly generated identifier. During game play, the credits lost or wonduring the game of chance are tracked by the program instructions andmay be temporarily stored 710 at the data storage. At the end of gameplay, the new credit balance is communicated 712 to the server datastorage 302. At the next game session, play is initiated with the newcredit balance. It is noted that the step of communicating the creditbalance could take many different forms. For example, the computerprocessor 100 may extract the credit balance from the data storage 102and transmit the credit balance to the server or, in an alternateoptional embodiment, the server may extract the credit balance from thedata storage 102, bypassing the computer processor 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, in an optional embodiment, as the gameis conducted, the game of chance may generate 614 a game history. As anexample, in a game of chance using playing cards, the game history mayinclude data such as the wager placed, the cards dealt, the outcomeobtained, the deck status (particularly when conducting a game in whichthe deck is not necessarily reconstituted after each outcome), and othergame events. Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, this game history isstored 616 to the data storage 102. In a further optional embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 7, in which the system includes a server, the gamehistory is communicated 712 to the server. The communication of the gamehistory to the server may take place in real time, periodically, upondemand, or on any other basis. For example, in one optional embodiment,the game history is communicated 712 to the server at the end of gameplay.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, in an optional embodiment, the playermay signal the end of game play; in one example, the player may actuatea “cash out” or “disconnect” button. In an optional embodiment in whicha credit balance and/or game history are stored on the data storage 102,the signal of the end of game play 620 may cause the programinstructions to finally update the credit balance and/or game historyand “lock” 620 the credit balance and/or game history from being alteredor rewritten until the data storage 102 is again engaged to a computerprocessor 100 and the program instructions (whether previously installedor newly installed) unlock 608 the data storage 102. In an optionalembodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 7, in which a server datastorage 302 stores game history and/or credit balance, this signal maytrigger the communication 712 of the credit balance and/or game historyto the server data storage 302. Optionally, the credit balance and/orgame history may be locked 714 at the server storage from being alteredor rewritten until the data storage 102 is engaged to a computerprocessor 100 and program instructions notify the server storage thatthe associated data storage 102 is engaged and that the credit balanceand/or game history may be unlocked 706.

Two example embodiments are now described in greater detail. Theseembodiments should be construed as exemplary only and their descriptionherein should not be interpreted as limiting the alternative embodimentsdescribed above or recited in the claims presented.

In one example embodiment, the data storage 102 is a flash memoryconnectable to a PC through a USB port. The data storage 102 ispartitioned into three sub-components 400, 402, 404 with onesub-component 402 storing at least one game of chance, one sub-component400 storing program instructions or an installer for installing programinstructions, and one sub-component 404 containing a writable storage.

When the data storage 102 is engaged to a computer terminal, thecomputer processor 100 executes the program instructions, or executesthe installer to install the program instructions in a memory 104associated with the computer processor 100. Under the direction of theprogram instructions, the computer processor 100 assigns a randomidentifier to the data storage 102 and generates a key, optionallyencrypted, and stores the key on the data storage 102 and in memory 104associated with the computer processor 100.

The computer processor 100 establishes a credit balance, such as bycommunicating with a server and conducting a financial transaction. Thecredit balance is stored on the data storage 102 and the programinstructions prevent access to alter or rewrite the credit balance. Thegame of chance is executed by the computer processor 100. During thegame of chance the computer processor 100 generates a game history thatis stored at the data storage 102. Upon the termination of play, thecredit balance is updated.

To adjust the credit balance, e.g. to purchase additional credits or“cash out” stored credits, the data storage 102 is engaged to a computerterminal. This may or may not be the same computer terminal used toconduct the game of chance. The program instructions communicate thecredit balance and the game history to a server. Additionally, theprogram instructions may conduct integrity checks on the credit balanceand game history data to attempt to detect alterations or tampering withthe data. The server verifies the credit balance against the gamehistory and, if the game history supports the credit balance, the playeris enabled to add credits or “cash out” credits from the credit balance.After the credit transaction, the new credit balance is communicatedfrom the server to the computer processor 100 for storage at the datastorage 102.

In another example embodiment, the data storage 102 is a flash memoryconnectable to a computer terminal through a USB port. The data storage102 stores at least one game of chance and includes a sub-component 404with writable storage. In this optional embodiment, program instructionsare stored at a server in communication with the computer processor 100.

When the data storage 102 is engaged to a computer terminal, thecomputer processor 100 executes the program instructions. Under thedirection of the program instructions, the computer processor 100assigns a random identifier to the data storage 102 and generates a key,optionally encrypted, and stores the key on the data storage 102 and inmemory 104 associated with the computer processor 100.

The computer processor 100 establishes a credit balance, such as bycommunicating with a server and conducting a financial transaction. Thecredit balance is stored in a record on the server associated with thedata storage 102, and stored temporarily at the data storage 102. Thegame of chance is executed by the computer processor 100. During thegame of chance the computer processor 100 generates a game history thatis stored at the data storage 102. Upon the termination of play, therecord at the server data storage 302 is updated with the credit balanceand the game history and the temporary credit balance stored at the datastorage 102 is deleted.

To adjust the credit balance, e.g. to purchase additional credits or“cash out” stored credits, the data storage 102 is engaged to a computerterminal. This may or may not be the same computer terminal used toconduct the game of chance. The program instructions communicate theidentifier associated with the data storage 102 (and optionally a keyassociated with the data storage 102) to a server. The server verifiesthe credit balance against the game history and, if the game historysupports the credit balance, the player is enabled to add credits or“cash out” credits from the credit balance. After the credittransaction, the new credit balance is stored at the server in therecord associated with the data storage 102.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed it is to be understood that the present invention is subjectto many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit andscope of the claims presented herein.

1. A system for conducting a game of chance comprising: a computerprocessor; a removable data storage physically distinct from saidcomputer processor, said data storage readable by said computerprocessor, said data storage storing at least one game of chanceexecutable by said computer processor; and a memory in communicationwith said computer processor, said memory storing program instructionsexecutable by said computer processor.
 2. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid memory is physically associated with said computer processor. 3.The system of claim 1 wherein said memory is physically associated withsaid data storage.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said data storage ispartitioned into at least two sub-components with said memory comprisingone of said sub-components and said game of chance stored on a separatesub-component.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said programinstructions comprise randomly assigning an identifier to said datastorage.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said data storage is writableby said computer processor and said program instructions comprisewriting a credit balance at said data storage.
 7. The system of claim 6wherein said program instructions further comprise encrypting saidcredit balance.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein said programinstructions further comprise preventing access by said computerprocessor to alter said credit balance after writing said credit balanceat said data storage.
 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: aserver processor in communication with said computer processor; and aserver data storage in communication with said server processor.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein said memory is physically associated with saidserver processor.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein said data storage isassigned a unique identifier and said server data storage stores arecord associated with said unique identifier.
 12. The system of claim11 wherein said record includes a credit balance.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein said data storage stores a credit balance and saidserver processor is adapted to read said credit balance written to saiddata storage.
 14. The system of claim 12 wherein said data storagestores a credit balance and said server processor is adapted to directsaid computer processor to read said credit balance from said datastorage and communicate said credit balance to said server processor.15. The system of claim 12 wherein said program instructions furthercomprise preventing access by said computer processor to alter saidcredit balance after writing said credit balance at said data storageuntil said server processor directs said computer processor to altersaid credit balance.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein said game ofchance directs said computer processor to generate a game history assaid game of chance is executed, said data storage is writable by saidcomputer processor, and said program instructions comprise writing saidgame history at said data storage.
 17. The system of claim 16 furthercomprising a server processor in communication with said computerprocessor, said server processor adapted to read said game historywritten to said data storage.
 18. The system of claim 16 furthercomprising a server processor in communication with said computerprocessor, said server processor directing said computer processor toread said game history from said data storage and communicate said gamehistory to said server processor.
 19. The system of claim 16 whereinsaid program instructions further comprise preventing access by saidcomputer processor to alter said game history after writing said gamehistory at said data storage.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein saidprogram instructions further comprise preventing access by said computerprocessor to alter said game history after writing said game history atsaid data storage until said server processor directs said computerprocessor to alter said game history.
 21. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid data storage is writable such that said data storage may beselectively supplemented with additional games of chance.
 22. A devicefor conducting a game of chance at a computer processor, comprising adata storage physically distinct from said computer processor, said datastorage readable by said computer processor, said data storagepartitioned into at least two sub-components wherein a firstsub-component stores program instructions executable by said computerprocessor and a second sub-component stores at least one game of chanceexecutable by said computer processor.
 23. The device of claim 22wherein said program instructions comprise randomly assigning anidentifier to said data storage.
 24. The device of claim 22 wherein saiddata storage is writable by said computer processor and said programinstructions comprise writing a credit balance at said data storage. 25.The device of claim 24 wherein said program instructions furthercomprise encrypting said credit balance.
 26. The device of claim 24wherein said program instructions further comprise preventing access bysaid computer processor to alter said credit balance after writing saidcredit balance at said data storage.
 27. The device of claim 22 whereinsaid game of chance directs said computer processor to generate a gamehistory as said game of chance is executed, said data storage iswritable by said computer processor, and said program instructionscomprise writing said game history at said data storage.
 28. The deviceof claim 27 wherein said program instructions further comprisepreventing access by said computer processor to alter said game historyafter writing said game history at said data storage.
 29. The device ofclaim 22 wherein said data storage is writable such that said datastorage may be selectively supplemented with additional games of chance.30. A device for conducting a game of chance at a computer processorphysically associated with a memory, comprising a data storagephysically distinct from said computer processor, said data storagereadable by said computer processor, said data storage partitioned intoat least three sub-components wherein a first sub-component stores aninstaller to install program instructions executable by said computerprocessor at said memory, a second sub-component stores at least onegame of chance executable by said computer processor, and a thirdwritable sub-component stores a credit balance and a game historygenerated as said computer processor executes said game of chance. 31.The device of claim 30 wherein said program instructions compriserandomly assigning an identifier to said data storage.
 32. The device ofclaim 30 wherein said program instructions further comprise encryptingsaid credit balance.
 33. The device of claim 30 wherein said programinstructions further comprise preventing access by said computerprocessor to alter said credit balance after writing said credit balanceat said third sub-component.
 34. The device of claim 30 wherein saidprogram instructions further comprise preventing access by said computerprocessor to alter said game history after writing said game history atsaid third sub-component.
 35. The device of claim 30 wherein said secondsub-component is writable such that said second sub-component may beselectively supplemented with additional games of chance.